Civil Marriage Ceremonies

The City of Windsor now offers civil marriage ceremonies in Council Chambers at City Hall, 350 City Hall Square West.

Previously, only Judges and Justices-of-the-Peace were allowed to solemnize civil marriages.

Ceremonies, available in English only, are simple and dignified. The solemn service lasts approximately 20 minutes. The service time booked should be approximately 1 hour to allow for photo opportunities etc. If an interpreter is required, more time would be needed.

The fee for a Civil Ceremony is $250.00, payable in cash (Canadian Funds only), debit or by credit card (Visa or Mastercard). A $50.00 portion of the fee is non-refundable applicable in the case of a cancellation of a ceremony. Also note when reserving a date for a ceremony, the applicant(s) must pay the $50.00 non-refundable portion of the fee.

All ceremonies must be paid in full prior to the civil ceremony.

All fees are in addition to the $135.00 non-refundable marriage licence fee. Fees are payable by debit or credit card (MasterCard and Visa only) and cash (Canadian funds only). Personal cheques are not accepted.

Ceremonies are available by appointment only.Please call 519-255-6100 ext. 6139 or e-mail clerkvitals@citywindsor.caBoth applicants must attend an interview with the officiator and bring photo ID and the marriage licence to the interview. Couples preferring to reserve a special date and time must do so in-person at the Office of the City Clerk, Council Services located at 350 City Hall Square West, Room 203. Certain dates and times throughout the year are not available for bookings, including Statutory Holidays.

WitnessesCouples must provide two (2) witnesses (one for each partner) who must be present at the ceremony, as specified in the Marriage Act.The City of Windsor can provide witnesses upon request for a fee of $25.00 per witness.

Cancellations

A partial refund will be given to couples who cancel the marriage ceremony within 48 hours. (see above) Marriage licences are non-refundable.

Requirements

A valid Province of Ontario marriage licence: Couples are requested to obtain or supply a valid Ontario Marriage Licence. A marriage licence may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk, Council Services in Windsor located at 350 City Hall Square West, Room 203. Marriage licences are also available from many local municipalities in Ontario. Visit our marriage licence web page for more information and additional requirements.

Two (2) Witnesses: Couples must provide two witnesses (one for each partner) who must be present at the ceremony, as indicated in section 25 of the Marriage Act. The City of Windsor can provide witnesses, upon request, for a fee of $25.00 per witness.

Officiants and the ceremony itself:City staff are trained and designated by the City Clerk and will act as officiants to solemnize the ceremony. The civil City staff are trained and designated by the City Clerk and will act as officiants to solemnize the ceremony. The civil marriage service will be a non-denominational and solemn, ceremony, which adheres to the requirements of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

Marriage Ineligibility

City staff will not solemnize the marriage of any person who he or she knows or has reasonable grounds to believe lacks capacity to marry. Circumstances rendering a person ineligible for the civil marriage include:

One or both parties are under physical or mental duress

One or both parties fail to meet the age requirements (both parties must be at least 18 years old to get married in Ontario. Parties who are 16 or 17 years old may marry only if they have the consent in writing of both parents)

The parties are related as grandparent, parent, child, grandchild, brother or sister

One or both parties are currently married

One or both parties are mentally ill or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and incapable of understanding the nature of the marriage contract and the duties, obligations and responsibilities that result from marriage. If the person solemnizing a marriage has any doubts as to the mental capacity of the parties, or one of the parties, he/she may refuse to perform the ceremony.

Gender

The City of Windsor offers civil marriage services to all eligible couples, following the June 10, 2003, Ontario Court of Appeal decision, making same-sex marriages legal in Ontario.

Ceremony Room

Ceremonies are held in Council Chambers at 350 City Hall Square West and can accommodate up to thirty (30) people, including the five individuals participating in the ceremony and a videographer or photographer if you choose to record and capture the special moment.

Want to know more?

For more information about marriage ceremonies, contact the Office of the City Clerk, Council Services staff by email or call 311. To find out how to register your marriage or obtain a marriage certificate, visit Ontario's Ministry of Government and Consumer Services or call 1-800-461-2156.